View full sizeGoogle MapsT-Mobile is proposing to install a cell phone antenna on an existing PSE&G tower at 250 Route 28 (Easton Turnpike) in an area between Meadow and Mohawk Roads.

By Gerard Longo

BRIDGEWATER — The township Zoning Board of Adjustment, at the request of T-Mobile and its representatives, have once again delayed a decision on the construction of a new cell phone tower at 250 Route 28.

The request was made at the board’s meeting on Tuesday, November 16, citing a desire to have seven voting board members present to vote at the next meeting.

This will also allow the zoning board time to bring in its own radiofrequency expert to compile a report on the proposed plan, which is expected to be made available to all the public before the application is brought to a vote.

Many Bridgewater residents, including Jeff Foose of Forest View Drive, oppose the construction of the new tower.

“The township needs to say, ‘Enough is enough,’” said Foose, who was upset about the plans for the tower being in place for more than six months, with public notification only being sent out three weeks ago. “We cannot have endless towers clogging up every right of way, every easement. We’re outraged; enough is enough.”

Many residents are upset at the prospect that the new cell phone tower could substantially reduce property values on Lenape Trail and vicinity.

Frank Ambrico, who lives on Lenape Trail, said an underground gas line and high-power lines in the area are already detracting from property values on the street.

“When it comes time to sell my house, I won’t have the engineer there to say (the tower) is safe,” said Ambrico. “We’re getting clobbered on property values.”

Jeff Usewick, a neighbor who lives on the same street as Ambrico, said, “There are people who object to this, and multiple towers are planned.”

“We have to fight these decisions one by one, and these are three separate decisions that will only benefit T-Mobile… The inconvenience and onus is on the residents of Bridgewater to have these towers in our back yard,” Usewick said. “That should be taken into consideration.”

Although several residents spoke out in opposition to the proposed new tower, Board Attorney Lawrence Vastola explained that public opinion should not sway the zoning board, and that board members can only look at whether the application meets all of the safety and land-use requirements.

“The decision of the board affects the land, is based on the land, and not on the individual (residents),” Vastola said.

The next Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting is on Tuesday, December 7, when the public will once again have an opportunity to offer comment on the application.

The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. and will take place at the Bridgewater Municipal Complex at 100 Commons Way.